As a couple, have you ever wondered, "Why does a relationship has to be so hard?" Do you feel sometimes like you're raising another child instead of having an equal partner? Are you exhausted from all the talking about change, yet nothing changes? Is your spouse expecting things you don't think are fair? Do you feel guilty when you take care of yourself because you "should" be...?

If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, keep reading to get off of the cul-de-sac of human drama.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

It’s that time of year again when you try to wow your partner with the most thoughtful, fitting gift you can think of. Valentine’s Day can be a point of stress for many, especially when choosing what to get for your special someone.

You want to communicate affection, attentiveness, and thoughtfulness. At the same time, you want to avoid being cheesy, predictable, or over-the-top. It’s easy to overthink the process and end up playing it safe with flowers and chocolates (yes, again).

Estimated reading time: 3.5 minutes

'Tis the month for celebrating love. It's something we all crave yet can sometimes be put on the back burner. However, cultivating healthy relationships requires regular attention, and Valentine's Day is an excellent time to jump-start these intentions. So, we've gathered some ideas for a romantic celebration, as well as ways for couples to nurture their love, not just on cupid's day, but every day.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

When I was growing up, my oldest brother was a national chess champion—at least through my young eyes. He taught me a lot about the game, and chess taught me about the game of life. Chess is an extraordinarily complex game with unlimited possibilities. For example, after only three moves apiece, there are more than 10 million possible placement combinations of the pieces! Each decision made in chess paves the way to success or failure, just as in life and relationship.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Whether you’re tying the knot with the one you love or helping a friend or family member plan their wedding, there are a lot of numbers to get straight in the process. Thankfully, there are tons of statistics to help inform your decision-making and spark creativity. You’ll be surprised by some of the marriage proposal stats!

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

A happily-ever-after Hollywood storyline is often depicted as the ultimate relationship, but in real life, creating a long-lasting and thriving relationship takes work—and there are bumps along the way. With the many wonderful experiences, you’ll most likely also face a few tough situations.

One of these challenges is commonly centered around finances. When working with couples, finances and spending habits are at the top of the list of disagreements and conflicts. One partner is a spender, and the other is a saver. One is a generous giver, and the other is frugal. And sometimes, one partner [...]

Relationships, like everything, have specific keys and habits that either make them easier, more successful, and happier or harder, less successful, and unhappy. Do you know what relationship habits are needed for a happy marriage? Have you shifted into cruise control in your relationship and only think good intentions, but don’t act on them? Or do you make daily choices and actions to intentionally love your partner?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Does your partner ever accuse you of flirting with others when there is no evidence to support it? Or go along with anything you say, only to resent you for it later? Or are you avoiding necessary but difficult conversations with each other? Relationship drama can be a huge emotional drain, stealing our loving feelings and what could be romantic moments.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The last few years have been incredibly challenging for many relationships. Even though the pandemic is in the rearview, spending extended time together unexpectedly and involuntarily acted like a pressure cooker! Relationship vulnerabilities were squeezed out. Conflict and arguing increased. The annoying traits of their partners were magnified; the unpredictability of life was exaggerated. And on top of these relationship issues, some couples discovered they didn't actually "like" their partner under stress and confinement.

You’d think that the extra time together would strengthen their [...]

In today's busy world, it doesn't take long for two people in a relationship to become distant or fall out of love. If you really think about it, although you live with that person, sleep next to them, eat meals with them, and maybe even talk to them during the day, how much of that connection is mindful and nurturing?

Because of the day-in and day-out details of life we are constantly juggling, many times our once romantic relationship can begin to cruise on automatic. As we all know, relationships take time—and sometimes they feel like too much work. But it doesn't have to be that way; it [...]